Re: Tree presented lists (was: Suggestion)

First of all, my appologies for double-posting, as many of us are on both
the html and css lists.

[DJW:] The number of variations of list in HTML
has been cut back since its origins because browser
developers have failed to implement them.

[DH:] Developer implementation is the first thing to consider when making a
suggestion.

[DJW:] Moreover, in the current situation, this
would be considered presentational, and
therefore a job for style sheets.

[DH:] Actually, I like that idea a lot. I don't normally subscribe to the
www-style list, because I only have enough time to read www-html from time
to time, but perhaps styles for lists could be discussed in that forum.

In fact, IMO, it would make most sense to do deprecate all but one of the
list elements.

Section 10.3.1 of the HTML 4.01 spec gives an example of how to use
stylesheets to control the presentation of lists, but I think it could go
further.

Why not have CSS attributes that make only one list element necessary? The
CSS attribute, 'list-style-type,' could include values such as 'arabic
numbers,' 'roman alpha,' and the others listed, but also include 'disc,'
'circle,' and 'square,' or even, as the topic of this discussion implies,
'tree.' We wouldn't need to have UL and OL elements.
Instead of the DL, DT and DD elements, one could use a UL (or OL, whichever
of the two remains undeprecated), and write 'list-style-type: blank' (or
something) into the stylesheet to simply create an indentation. Or even
better yet, use CSS's already existing 'indent' property.

It should degrade gracefully, while simultaneously opening up new
opportunities. It is structurally sound, and creates the possibility to
expand upon the presentation of lists in ways which weren't previously
possible.

And if everyone has already decided to do these things in CSS while I wasn't
subscribed to the www-style list, I appologize for not having time to check
the www-style archives.

Daniel

Received on Thursday, 19 July 2001 16:40:56 UTC